ShenanINGRAMS

It has been brought to my attention (thanks Mom) that I was a dust artist. I would often draw Michaelangelo-quality pictures in dust when I was 3. So, in my own defense, I was NOT a finger-swiper. Had the culprit drawn a smiley face over the face of the people in the picture, I would've giggled and left it there for weeks on end. Honestly. I'm easily amused, and once amused, I won't let the amusing thing go, much like a bull dog. However, the person in question...we'll just call him "Nobody" for now, did NOT draw dust art! Nobody FINGER SWIPED. There's a big difference. Dust art says, "Hey, your picture frame has a cool surface on which I can draw a masterpiece and leave my mark." Finger-swiping simply says, "I noticed your dust and I don't like it." Well, Nobody, I don't like your finger-swipe! The picture frame is clean. My son is snoring on the couch behind me, so I better take him to bed. On the way, I may draw ...

It's summer time in Germany. My windows are constantly open because we don't have an air conditioner. I would have to dust every day, possibly twice a day, to keep my house in the condition I am accustomed to when I live in the States and do have an A/C to help keep things clean. I am fine with the dust. Wednesday is my dust-day. Even my children know this. I am fine with other people noticing my dust, especially if it is Tuesday. If someone says, "Wow, that picture frame is dusty," I will likely respond with, "Yes, it is. Someone should clean that," as I grin and walk away. I won't judge your house if you won't judge mine. What I am NOT fine with, and anyone who knows me can tell you this, is the finger swipe. You know what it is. You've all done it at least once in your life. You see the dust, you swipe the finger, you wipe it on your pants leg and think, "Wow, that's a lot of dust." Caylea did that when she was 7. Th...

14 people were in my house for 6 days. Now 10 of them are gone and it's so quiet! After having my Mom, Dad, brother, sister-in-law, their 3 children, my husband's sister and daughter...all here, I can honestly say that God answers prayer. He knows what He's doing, when and where, and everything is in His timing. We took a train ride, all wearing tie-dyed shirts. It was so much fun. I spoke with a 3 year old German girl who told her Daddy, "Ich mochte nicht so gross famili!" In English, "I don't want a family that big!" My German is getting better. We found a tutor who will start with us in August and teach us to do more than order food and get from A to Z and entertain 3 year olds on trains. I enjoy German. It's similar to Spanish, so not too hard. The hardest part is getting the German natives to slow down for me! I am from Texas, after all! I don't even speak English quickly! :) My niece, Raychel, caught 64 new snails for Chl...